Meet Mona Co-founder of Nana & Mona

Monica Alvarez is a driven entrepreneur and proud Mexican Latina woman, known for her unwavering dedication to the beauty industry. Born in La Barca, Jalisco, Monica's journey took her to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she spent her formative years. Her entrepreneurial spirit and love for learning led her to pursue studies in Business Administration and Public Accounting, shaping her into a versatile professional with a keen eye for business opportunities.

Daughter of immigrant parents, Monica's life took a significant turn when her family returned to Mexico to care for her ailing grandmother. It was there that Monica immersed herself in academics, ultimately earning her degrees while also embracing motherhood with the birth of her son, Kevin.

Upon resolving her immigration status, Monica returned to Milwaukee, where she embarked on a diverse career path before discovering her true passion in the beauty industry. Starting as a receptionist, Monica's determination and work ethic propelled her to leadership roles within the eyelash business, where she managed salons, a warehouse, and the educational department.

At Nana & Mona, Monica serves as a multifaceted leader, overseeing various aspects of the business with skill and finesse. As the person in charge of website design, social media, and content creation, Monica leverages her creativity and technical expertise to craft compelling digital experiences and engage with clients on multiple platforms.

In addition to her marketing and branding responsibilities, Monica plays a pivotal role in the Educational Department, where she offers eyelash extension courses to aspiring beauty professionals. Her passion for education and commitment to excellence ensure that students receive comprehensive training and guidance as they embark on their own beauty careers.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Monica to reevaluate her career path, leading her to co-found Nana & Mona alongside her friend and colleague, Adriana. Together, they leveraged their expertise and passion for beauty to create a thriving business that offers a range of services, from eyelash extensions to paramedical tattooing.

Driven by a desire to empower others and make a meaningful impact, Monica pursued specialized training in paramedical tattooing, focusing on 3D Areola and Scar Camouflage tattooing. Her dedication to her craft and natural talent were quickly recognized, earning praise from her instructors and peers.

Today, Monica is honored to offer her skills and expertise to individuals seeking to regain their confidence and femininity after undergoing mastectomies or dealing with scars. Her commitment to excellence and genuine compassion for her clients make her a trusted partner on their journey to self-love and acceptance.

As Monica continues to expand her skill set and services, her overarching goal remains the same: to make a positive difference in the lives of others and empower them to embrace their unique beauty.

"I wanted to express from the depths of my heart how much I truly love what I do. It has always been a dream of mine to help other people, to empower them, because I deeply understand the transformative magic that comes with feeling better about oneself. I hope that everyone, at least once in their life, gets to experience this profound sense of self-acceptance and confidence.

As a mother and someone who often finds themselves caring for and looking out for others, I know firsthand how easy it can be to forget the importance of self-care. I've experienced those moments when prioritizing oneself feels like an impossible task amidst the responsibilities of life. That's why I believe it's crucial for each of us to give ourselves a little bit of love and care from time to time, to remember that our well-being matters just as much as anyone else's.

When my time on this earth comes to an end, my greatest wish is for the people I've encountered along the way to remember me in a positive light. I hope that they'll reflect on our interactions and feel that I've made a positive impact on their lives, even if it was through something small. For me, that would be the most meaningful legacy I could leave behind."